onsemi MPS6523

Overview

MPS6523 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor designed for amplification and switching applications with continuous collector current up to 500 mA and V_CEO of 25 V. It operates across –55°C to +150°C, features h_FE of 150–600 at IC = 100 µA to 2.0 mA, and delivers V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V at IC = 50 mA/IB = 5.0 mA - commonly used in low-voltage DC-DC converter bias circuits and discrete logic-level interface stages.

For engineers reviewing the MPS6523 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package compatibility, PNP polarity, guaranteed h_FE range, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200°C/W), and suitability for linear amplification or saturated switching below 300 mA load conditions.

Technical Context

The MPS6523 is a silicon planar epitaxial PNP transistor fabricated in Fairchild's Process 68, optimized for stable DC current gain and low saturation voltage in general-purpose analog and digital switching roles. Its structure supports operation with V_CB up to 45 V and V_EB up to 4.0 V, enabling use in emitter-follower configurations and level-shifting networks where base drive control is critical.

Thermal design is constrained by R_θJC = 83.3°C/W and R_θJA = 200°C/W, requiring PCB copper area or airflow consideration above ~200 mW dissipation. The device exhibits Cob = 4.0 pF at V_CB = 10 V and NF = 3.0 dB in audio-band small-signal amplification, confirming suitability for low-noise preamplifier stages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 - 3-lead through-hole plastic package with standard lead spacing (0.500" pitch), flat side orientation marking emitter-collector alignment per Fairchild Figure 1.0. Device weight: 0.1977 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP general-purpose amplifier applications.

Compared with PN2907 and BC557, the MPS6523 offers balanced trade-offs: mid-range V_CEO (25 V) suits 24 V systems, broad h_FE (150–600) accommodates wide operating currents, and its documented 3.0 dB noise figure supports signal-chain roles beyond basic switching.

Availability

MPS6523 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, DC-DC converter bias circuits, and relay driver stages requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MPS6523 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The MPS6523 belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for cost-effective, robust amplification and switching in industrial, consumer, and computing power subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the MPS6523?

The MPS6523 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C. This rating assumes adequate PCB heat sinking and derating per the 5.0 mW/°C thermal specification above 25°C ambient. At elevated temperatures or in confined enclosures, actual usable current may be limited by junction temperature constraints - always verify with R_θJA = 200°C/W and T_J(max) = 150°C in thermal calculations for the MPS6523.

Does the MPS6523 have a specified noise figure, and under what conditions?

Yes, the MPS6523 specifies a noise figure (NF) of 3.0 dB measured at V_CE = 5.0 V, I_C = 10 µA, R_S = 10 kΩ, and bandwidth from 10 Hz to 15.7 kHz. This value confirms its suitability for low-noise small-signal amplification tasks such as sensor front-ends. The MPS6523's NF performance is validated per Fairchild's test methodology and applies directly to the MPS6523 - not inferred from related devices like PN200.

What is the pin configuration of the MPS6523 in the TO-92 package?

The MPS6523 uses standard TO-92 pinout: when viewing the flat side of the package with leads pointing downward, the left-to-right pin order is Emitter (E), Base (B), Collector (C). This matches Fairchild's Figure 1.0 and is confirmed across tape-and-reel packaging documentation (EOL code D26Z/D74Z). Always verify orientation using the flat edge and lead bend direction before PCB layout - incorrect placement will reverse PNP functionality in the MPS6523.

Can the MPS6523 replace the PN200 in existing designs?

No - the MPS6523 is not a direct replacement for the PN200. While the datasheet notes "See PN200 for characteristics", this refers to process similarity (Process 68), not functional equivalence. The PN200 has different absolute maximum ratings (e.g., V_CEO = 30 V vs. 25 V for MPS6523) and distinct h_FE and saturation behavior. Substituting MPS6523 for PN200 requires full revalidation of biasing, thermal, and switching performance in the target circuit.

What thermal derating applies to the MPS6523 above 25°C ambient temperature?

The MPS6523 must be derated at 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C ambient, based on its specified PD = 625 mW at T_A = 25°C and R_θJA = 200°C/W. For example, at 75°C ambient, maximum allowable power dissipation drops to 375 mW. This linear derating ensures junction temperature remains ≤150°C. Always apply this rule when calculating safe operating area (SOA) limits for the MPS6523 in real-world thermal environments.